What is Majime(真面目)?

In Japanese, there is a term called Majime. It describes the personality of a person who follow the rules to the letter. They do not like what is against the social norm, always trying to do things in a right way. There seems to be no direct translation of Majime in English. Probably the close translation would be diligence or honesty.

Majime is often seen as virtue in Japanese culture. Students who listens well to teachers and persons who always follow the order of their boss. They are the good examples of Majime people. They are usually role models in an organization and do not disturb the society.

Majime is good. What’s there to argue? Well, it seems Majime persons are not so in need in the coming future.

As many of you maybe know, Japan experienced rapid economic growth after the World War II ended. In the process of recovering from devastating damage and pursuing the better life, Japanese economy needed more and more labors. All they had to do was just work hard, doing what they were told. What filled this demand was all those Majime people, who blindly believed that their efforts will pay off if they work hard. I think Japanese are by nature Majime. They always follow the rule and keep the harmony in the group, which is why it is one of the safest countries in Japan. No sticking out in a group. That’s what was needed in the rapid economic growth time.

How about now? Those needed labors are now being replaced with robots and artificial intelligence. Does the society still need those Majime people? What about those who had the huge impact to the world? Was Steve Jobs Majime?Are successful entrepreneurs,  Youtubers, scientists Majime? If you are doing what you’re told, you won’t be able to think outside of the box.

I am not saying being Majime is 100% wrong. The problem about them, including myself, is that they often do not think and have their own ideas. You could say they are scared to be making decisions. They let the most difficult part, creating new ideas or start something new, made by others and just do the work in the given way. Those parts are where robots come in. They are always suppressing their true feelings, so they could feel stressed all the time. Because of that, some of them turn to criminal, like child molester and rapist (See my previous post) . Now could they really be considered role models?

I have been Majime throughout my life. I am still struggling to get out of this mindset.

It is important to make clear what it is that you really want, not based on what others expect from you.

Do you think you’re Majime?